County Court Judge Andrea Tsalamandris has been appointed as a new Judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria, the state government announced this week.
Justice Tsalamandris was one of two new appointments, with Her Honour Judge Meryl Sexton also being named the first-ever Deputy Chief Judge of the County Court.
County Court Judge Andrea Tsalamandris has been appointed as a new Judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria.
Justice Tsalamandris brings more than 20 years of legal experience to her new role, with the past six years serving as a Judge in the County Court, and most recently Head of the Common Law Division.
She began her career in law in 1994 as a Solicitor at Holding Redlich and Adviceline Injury Lawyers, before working her way up to a Senior Associate in 1997 and making partner in 2002.
Justice Tsalamandris will become only the third solicitor ever appointed to the Supreme Court in Victoria’s history.
An important part of the Governor’s role is to swear in judges of the Supreme Court of Victoria. The Governor was pleased to swear in Justice Cameron Macaulay as a Judge of the Court of Appeal and Justice Andrea Tsalamandris as a Judge of the Supreme Court. @SCVSupremeCourtpic.twitter.com/Ij81lNe8g3
Victoria’s Attorney-General, Jaclyn Symes, has welcomed the appointment.
“Justice Tsalamandris and Judge Sexton bring decades of experience to their roles, and I look forward to their ongoing contributions to Victoria’s justice system,” the Attorney-General said.
Israel’s President, Isaac Herzog, paid an official state visit to Greece on Thursday and met with the country’s Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and President, Katerina Sakellaropoulou.
After laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens, Herzog held a working meeting with Sakellaropoulou at the Presidential Mansion.
At the start of the meeting, Herzog addressed recent developments in Ukraine, calling the crisis a “historic moment, and a very complicated one.”
Υποδέχθηκα τον Πρόεδρο του Κράτους του Ισραήλ @Isaac_Herzog. Μια επίσκεψη με ιδιαίτερη βαρύτητα, που επισφραγίζει τις εξαιρετικές διμερείς σχέσεις μας, οι οποίες έχουν ήδη αποδώσει σημαντικούς καρπούς σε πληθώρα τομέων, καθώς επίσης και την στρατηγική μας συνεργασία. pic.twitter.com/6saoSxJ7PJ
“Israel, as our government has communicated, supports Ukraine’s territorial integrity,” Herzog stressed to the Greek President.
“We are, of course, concerned for the fate of the Jewish community in Ukraine, and we shall offer every possible humanitarian cooperation to the government of Ukraine in partnership with and together with other partners.”
The two leaders then went on to stress the strong bond between Greece and Israel.
Sakellaropoulou stressed how both countries “have a strategic relationship” and “common vision for security and stability in the region.”
Herzog thanked Sakellaropoulou for welcoming him to Greece and extended an invitation to visit Israel, praising the “friendship and bold partnership” between the two Mediterranean countries.
Later, the Israeli President met with Greece’s Prime Minister and “discussed bilateral policy, defense and economic relations, the progress of tripartite cooperation schemes and the Russian attack on Ukraine.”
After wrapping up his state visit to Greece, Herzog is scheduled to head on March 2 to Cyprus, where he is to meet with Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades, followed by an “expanded bilateral meeting.”
Herzog is also expected to visit Turkey in early March.
On Saturday February 26 the Adult group of the Melbourne Community Creative Drama and Arts Theatre is presenting the theatrical performance “Mόνοι” (Greek for alone).
Based on a compilation of monologues and poems from Greek and global authors and poets, “Mόνοι” is adapted for the stage by Australian born director of Greek heritage Jeremy Artis.
Director Jeremy Artis is part of the cast
The play is centered around the idea of belonging and discusses how individuals can find themselves lonely, longing for social interaction during a lockdown or rediscovering themselves after moving to a new country.
“I want the spectators -event those who don’t speak Greek- to connect with what is happening on stage and to participate either by following the monologues or with their senses,” the director said.
This is the first time Artis has directed for the Community Theatre, but he has been involved with short films and documentaries and has worked in theatre in Greece, where he grew up and completed his studies. He moved back to Melbourne in 2018 to become a filmmaker and is currently studying a Bachelor in Film and Television.
This play has been in the works since last year, and most of the rehearsals were conducted virtually due to the rolling lockdowns in Victoria.
“We didn’t have much time for rehearsals and it was hard at times but I was determined to go ahead and make it work.
“My idea was to create a dynamic performance that would go ahead if need be with reduced cast, no lights and no stage and I believe we have achieved a great result considering the circumstances.”
A pre presentation of “Mόνοι” will be running at Melbourne’s Fairfield Amphitreatre on Saturday February 26 at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $18 and can be purchased here. An official premiere will be held on March 20at the Greek Centre.
The first round of negotiations for a Double Taxation Agreement between Australia and Greece was launched on February 23, the Australia Embassy in Greece has announced.
The negotiations were attended by Australia’s Ambassador to Greece, Arthur Spyrou, as well as a taxation lawyer and representatives from the Australian Government Department of Jobs and Small Business.
“It’s finally happening!” the Embassy wrote on Facebook.
“Heralding new trade and investment opportunities and improved tax efficiency for people who share their lives between Australia and Greece, the Double Taxation Agreement, once concluded, will be another important marker of the thriving bilateral relationship.”
The negotiations were launched after Federal Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, announced in September last year that Australia was looking to expand its tax treaty network.
The Greek Herald has been following developments on this Agreement for months, with the Trade Commissioner of Greece in Australia, Katia Gkikiza, confirming back in August 2021 that there had been “coordinated” moves to get the Agreement up-and-running.
Trade Commissioner Katia Gkikiza confirmed the Agreement was in the works in August 2021.
At the time, the Trade Commissioner assured businesses and companies wishing to invest in Greece that “they can go on with their projects knowing that the Greek Government is fully committed to the conclusion of the Double Taxation Agreement.”
The Agreement is set to provide businesses with greater tax certainty, which will encourage increased economic integration through foreign investment and trade.
A presidential adviser has confirmed this morning that Ukraine lost control of the Chernobyl nuclear site, where Ukranian forces had waged a fierce battle with Russian troops.
Adviser Myhailo Podolyak told The Associated Press that Ukrainian authorities did not know the current condition of the facilities at Chernobyl, the site of the world’s worst nuclear disaster.
The New Safe Confinement (NSC) metal dome encasing the destroyed reactor at Chernobyl, where some of the fiercest fighting is taking place. Picture: AFP.
“After the absolutely senseless attack of the Russians in this direction, it is impossible to say that the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is safe,” he said.
Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, had announced several hours earlier on Thursday that Russian forces were trying to seize the Chernobyl nuclear plant.
This morning, Ukraine’s Health Minister Oleh Lyashko also said 57 people had been killed and 169 wounded on Thursday after Russia launched a full scale invasion of Ukraine.
Global reactions:
This attack comes just hours after Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin, appeared live on television and authorised a special military operation in Ukraine’s Donbas region.
A man sits outside his destroyed building after bombings on the eastern Ukraine town of Chuhuiv. Photo: AFP / Aris Messinis.
Putin called on the Ukraine military to “lay down its arms” and return home, claiming his goal was to demilitarise the country.
He also warned other countries not to interfere with Russia’s military plans as it would lead to “consequences they have never seen.”
In response, world leaders have condemned Russia’s actions as an “unprovoked and unjustified attack” on Ukraine.
Η επίθεση της Ρωσίας κατά της Ουκρανίας θέτει με δραματικό τρόπο την παγκόσμια κοινότητα ενώπιον των ευθυνών της. Ως μέλος της ΕE και του ΝΑΤΟ συντονιζόμαστε με τους εταίρους μας, ώστε η αντίδρασή μας να είναι κοινή, αλλά και αντίστοιχη της πρωτοφανούς ρωσικής προκλητικότητας. pic.twitter.com/35gJDF1ptu
Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, was one of the first leaders to react and said the invasion “tests the limits” of international law.
“As a matter of principle, Greece respects the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of all countries. It therefore unequivocally condemns revisionist actions that run counter to these values,” Mitsotakis said, while lamenting “the brutal violence from which, unfortunately, many innocent people will lose their lives.”
In Australia, Prime Minister Scott Morrison accused Russia of launching a “brutal” and illegal invasion of Ukraine that will be met with a severe response by Australia and the international community.
Australian PM Scott Morrison condemned the invasion.
Later, United States President Joe Biden released a statement saying the US and its allies would respond in a “united and decisive” way.
“President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering,” Mr Biden said. “The world will hold Russia accountable.”
This sentiment was echoed by not only the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson who called the attack “unprovoked,” but also by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, NATO, the United Nations and the European Union.
“We condemn this barbaric attack and the cynical arguments to justify it,” European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said. “It is President Putin who is bringing war back to Europe.”
The EU and many countries, such as the US, UK and Australia, have also imposed tough restrictions on Russia in an attempt to weaken the country.
Athens plans evacuation of Greek nationals from Ukraine:
Despite this, fighting continues to worsen in Ukraine and in response, diplomatic sources told Ekathimerini that Greece is planning the evacuation of Greek nationals from Ukraine.
Eleni Dombra, who is Vice President of the Hellenic Associations of Mariupol, where there is a strong Greek diaspora, told in.gr residents woke up scared to the sound of explosions but many refuse to leave for now.
Ukrainian firefighters rescue civilians after an air strikes. Photo: Wolfgang Schwan/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images.
“Our country is being bombarded from all sides,” Dombra said. “We are fine, but not safe. God help us, we try to keep our composure.”
All Greek ships have also been warned by the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy to immediately leave Ukrainian and Russian territorial waters in the Black Sea.
It is understood that eight ships with Greek flag, as well as a Greek-owned ship with Maltese flag, are currently in the north Black Sea, with 66 Greek sailors on board.
The Greek Embassy in Kyiv and the consulates in the southern port cities of Mariupol and Odessa are making every possible effort to remain in contact with Greek nationals in Ukraine.
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has appeared live on television to say he has authorised a special military operation in Ukraine’s Donbas region.
Putin called on Ukraine military to “lay down its arms” and return home, claiming his goal was to demilitarise the country.
Explosions are being heard in several Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv and Kharkiv. Picture: centrometeorologicopuertorico/Instagram.
He also warned other countries not to interfere with Russia’s military plans. He warned NATO and others that interference would lead to “consequences they have never seen.”
Immediately following the speech, sounds of explosions were heard in Kramatorsk, followed by reports of sounds of explosions or artillery firing in Kharkiv, Odessa, Mariupol and capital city Kyiv.
Putin has just launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Peaceful Ukrainian cities are under strikes. This is a war of aggression. Ukraine will defend itself and will win. The world can and must stop Putin. The time to act is now.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia had carried out missile strikes on infrastructure and the country’s border guards, and that explosions had been heard in many cities.
He said martial law had been declared across the country and that he had spoken by phone to US President Joe Biden.
Mr Biden said the United States and its allies would respond in a united and decisive way to “an unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces” on Ukraine.
They recently treated Thanasi Kokkinakis to a Cretan feast after he and Nick Kyrgios secured the doubles title at the Australian Open but this is not the first time John and Susie Rerakis’ restaurant, Philhellene Provincial Greek Cuisine, makes headlines.
Since November 2008, when it opened its doors at Moonee Ponds in Melbourne, the restaurant has been featured, several-times, in the Age Good Food Guide as the ‘best Greek restaurant’ and its dishes have been praised by food connoisseurs local and international.
Susie and John Rerakis with tennis player Thanasi Kokkinakis
But apart from the recognition, which John Rerakis is grateful for, he says the family business has a greater mission. To break the stereotypes around Greek food and provide a rich experience with original flavours, culture, music and history.
“The Greek food and culture have been stereotyped for many years. It’s not only about ouzo, souvlaki, bouzouki, and Mykonos or Santorini – which are beautiful places but commercial,” John Rerakis says.
“We have an obligation to pass on the things we learned from our parents to future generations.”
Susie Rerakis with Yiayia Katina and Yiayia Nikki
A slow food movement supporter and keeper of Cretan know-how and traditions, John grows his own produce and the action in the restaurant kitchen is orchestrated by his wife Susie, his 82-years-young mother, Katina and 72-years-young mother-in-law, Nikki.
The daily specials include broad beans with artichokes avgolemono, lamb antikristo, rabbit stifado, fava dip and zucchini flowers stuffed with herbed rice, horta and kalitsounia pastry parcels.
“Everything in here is Greek,” says John proudly and shows me the Greek olive oil, salt and a wig of fresh rosemary that sit on each of the tables.
The walls are decorated with old photos of sentimental value and a vintage map that according to John is from his father’s primary school in Crete which was closed down four decades ago.
I know from experience that where there are Cretans there is an abundance of passion, filotimo, hospitality and a sense of humour. John is not an exception.
I ask him how he pulled through during the pandemic and he has again something positive to share.
“It wasn’t fun but I am not here to criticise state and federal governments. We lost staff, we hurt but we are resilient and we are not complaining,” he says.
During the pandemic the Rerakis family provided free of charge food to international students who were stranded in Australia.
“They had no income; they didn’t know how to pay their rent. They were crying. We know we did the right deed. This is what our parents taught us. It’s not all about us but also the people around us.”
As we wrap up the interview, I ask him what his plans are for the future.
“I love what we do and we are lucky to live in Australia but we also come from a very nice place in Greece. I love Crete and maybe one day I can have my garden there. If it happens, I’ll be happy,” he says.
“At the end of the day all that matters is memories.”
“We didn’t realise how many people would be disappointed when we made the announcement,” Parea Greek Tavern owner, Nicholas Papas, tells The Greek Herald.
“We wanted to thank every one of you that dined, drank and celebrated many milestones with us while we were in business.
“We are beyond grateful for all of these memories and friendships forged.”
Despite the closure, Mr Papas says customers can still enjoy a Greek feast from Pare Express in Kogarah, and the business will also continue to offer offsite catering for special events and occasions.
Greece’s Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy, John Chrysoulakis, has sent a letter of congratulations to the new Board of Directors of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM).
In the letter, Mr Chrysoulakis congratulated Bill Papastergiadis on his re-election to Chairman of the Board and stressed his belief that Mr Papastergiadis’ new term “will be extremely beneficial and successful for the Greek expatriates of Melbourne.”
“I’m sure that… together with the other members of the Board, [you] will promote in the best way the interests of your Greek Community, for the achievements of which all Greeks are proud,” Mr Chrysoulakis wrote.
The Secretary General then went on to assure the GCM that he will “make every effort to support your actions for the prosperity and development” of the Community.
“The Secretariat will assist in all your efforts to spread Greek language and Greek culture in Australia as part of the initiatives and actions it carries out around the world,” the letter stated.
Mr Chrysoulakis concluded his letter by stating that his goal is to further strengthen communication channels and modernise services used by Greek expatriates abroad.
2021 was always going to be an unpredictable year with COVID continuing to play havoc. Nonetheless, the Greek Community of Melbourne’s weekly seminar series continued uninterrupted.
Attempts to return to live or even hybrid presentations at the Community’s mezzanine level were thwarted by lockdowns, as well as an unpreparedness by people to return to the CBD as the pandemic raged.
The program was mostly delivered online with an array of local but mostly international speakers. The themes were quite diverse, but a significant emphasis was placed on topics relating to the 1821 War of Independence bicentenary.
The 2022 seminar series promises to be bigger than ever. It will feature a large international cast but also strongly complemented with locally-based speakers.
As the centenary of the Asia Minor Catastrophe approaches, there’ll be numerous seminars exploring issues associated with this tumultuous period. Music will also feature strongly, where Professor Karalis will reflect upon the late composer Mikis Theodorakis, and Christopher King will examine the ‘mirologia’ (laments) of Epirus.
Professor Tim Parkin will kick-start the lecture series.
Expect a strong North American-based contingent in this year’s program from Berkeley’s Christine Philliou, to Ohio State University’s Giorgios Anagnostou, Athanasios Gekas from York University (Canada) and the University of Chicago’s Stefanos Katsikas.
The program will finish off with Columbia University’s Mark Mazower, a British historian who has written extensively on Greek and Balkan history. For further information or sponsorship enquiries simply contact the GCM on info@greekcommunity.com.au
The first seminar begins on Thursday, March 3 at 7pm, with Professor Tim Parkin from the University of Melbourne.
